Beyond Comfort Food: The Science-Backed Benefits of Bone Broth

As a clinical dietitian, I’m often asked about “superfoods.” But sometimes, the most powerful remedies are the traditional ones right in our grandmother’s kitchen. Today, I want to highlight the humble yet mighty bone broth.

In Poland, we have a deep-rooted tradition with this: Rosół. This magical elixir, a clear broth made from simmering meat and vegetables, is a Sunday staple in most homes. But its benefits extend far beyond a delicious soup base — it’s a nourishing drink in its own right.

So, what makes broth so special? In short, it’s a nutrient-dense liquid made by simmering the bones of chicken, beef, fish, or lamb. This slow process extracts valuable compounds, making it not just flavourful, but highly nutritious.

Photo by Karolina Kołodziejczak on Unsplash

Let’s break down its key health benefits:

1. A Soothing Remedy for Cold Season
There’s a reason soup is a go-to when you’re sick. Sipping on hot broth can help increase the flow of mucus, providing relief from nasal congestion. It’s a comforting and effective way to support your body during illness.

2. Supports Gut Health
Bone broth is rich in gelatin and glutamine. Gelatin breaks down into amino acids that help heal and seal the gut lining. Glutamine has been shown to aid digestion and may help manage issues related to leaky gut and Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD) or IBS.

3. A Natural Source of Collagen
Collagen is the essential protein that provides structure to our skin, hair, nails, bones, and joints. After our mid-20s, our natural collagen production declines. Bone broth is an excellent dietary source of collagen, providing the building blocks your body needs to support joint health and maintain skin elasticity, anti-aging effect.

The Bottom Line: While not a magic cure-all, incorporating quality bone broth into your diet is a simple and delicious way to provide your body with essential nutrients. Whether enjoyed as a warm drink or the base of a soup, it’s a tradition worth embracing for your health.

💙 Take care of your gut, and it will take care of your mood!

“Health is the greatest human value”

AnaskoMed, Your Dietitian & Nutritionist

AnaskoMed Clinic is based on EBM (Evidence Based Medicine) medicine based on facts and reliable sources. Learn more about how we ensure the quality of our content at www.anaskomed.clinic

Remember that the information in this article is not a diet or education tailored individually, so if you have any health problems or your diet is more demanding, use the option of individual dietary cooperation or contact your doctor before using it.

Bibliography

1. Bone Broth Benefits: How Its Nutrients Fortify Gut Barrier in Health and Disease. Dig Dis Sci. 2025;70(6):1951–1961.
   
2. Analysis of the Anti-Inflammatory Capacity of Bone Broth in a Murine Model of Ulcerative Colitis. Medicina (Kaunas). 2021;57(11):1138.
   
   
3. Hendley, J. Savoring the benefits of bone broth: Worth a taste? Harvard Health Publishing. (Reviewed by Teresa Fung, RD, ScD).